shrub

Girard's Hot Shot Azalea

Rhododendron 'Girard Hot Shot'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendrons are a large genus of woody plants, mostly shrubs, prized for their showy, often colorful, spring flowers. They are typically acid-loving plants with shallow root systems.

'Girard Hot Shot' is a compact, evergreen azalea known for its profuse, fiery orange-red to scarlet flowers that cover the plant in spring. It has attractive glossy green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular burst of fiery color in the spring landscape. Its compact size and evergreen nature make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and mass plantings, offering year-round structure.

Can be used to create low, informal hedges or define garden spaces. Its dense growth habit helps suppress weeds when planted in groups.

The bright, tubular flowers are a valuable nectar source for early-season pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, supporting local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Amend soil with organic matter to ensure acidity and drainage.
Dig a shallow, wide hole, twice the root ball's width.
Plant with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Mulch with pine needles or composted oak leaves to maintain soil acidity and moisture.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
Water consistently, especially during dry periods.
Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
Provide protection from harsh winter winds.

Don't

Do not plant too deep; azaleas are shallow-rooted.
Do not use lime or wood ash near the plant.
Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid cultivating around the base to protect surface roots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant foundation plantingColorful border accentMass planting for spring impact

Companion Plants

Kalmia latifolia Pieris japonica Dryopteris erythrosora Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Girard's Hot Shot Azalea questions

What zones can Girard's Hot Shot Azalea grow in?

Girard's Hot Shot Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Girard's Hot Shot Azalea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Girard's Hot Shot Azalea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Girard's Hot Shot Azalea bloom?

Girard's Hot Shot Azalea typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Girard's Hot Shot Azalea need full sun?

Girard's Hot Shot Azalea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.